Chesterton, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,446
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,060/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,317
4.8% year-over-year change

Chesterton population

How many people live in Chesterton

Chesterton is home to 14,446 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Chesterton locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
14,446
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
7,316
Female
49.4%
7,130
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,316 50.6% 3.8%
Female 7,130 49.4% -2.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chesterton is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.9% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.2% of the population, while another 21.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.9%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
31.2%
45 to 64
21.5%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,025 20.9% -2.8%
15 to 24 1,264 8.8% -4.8%
25 to 44 4,506 31.2% -1.6%
45 to 64 3,107 21.5% 6.1%
Over 65 2,544 17.6% 7.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chesterton, 95% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.9%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,723 95% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 569 3.9% -6.0%
Non-citizens 154 1.1% -7.8%
Racial breakdown
White
88.5%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 12,787 88.5%
Black or African American 249 1.7%
Asian 272 1.9%
Two or more races 1,054 7.3%
Other 84 0.6%

Households in Chesterton

A peek inside Chesterton households

Chesterton has 6,004 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.5% are families, while the remaining 43.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,004
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,612
Family households
3,392
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,612 43.5% 4.7%
Family households 3,392 56.5% 3.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chesterton

The housing landscape of Chesterton

Chesterton's housing consists of 6,317 units, with 67.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,317
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,268 67.6%
1 unit, attached 596 9.4%
2 units 338 5.4%
3 or 4 units 236 3.7%
5 to 9 units 285 4.5%
10 to 19 units 305 4.8%
20 to 49 units 52 0.8%
50 or more units 164 2.6%
Mobile home 73 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
176
104.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chesterton

In Chesterton, the median construction year is 1982. About 11.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 733 11.6% -15.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 161 2.6% 17.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 580 9.2% 14.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 649 10.3% 10.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 967 15.3% 3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 453 7.2% -9.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 762 12.1% 20.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,103 17.5% -1.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 733 11.6% 11.9%
Built in 2020 or later 176 2.8% 104.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chesterton occupancy rates

Out of the 6,004 occupied housing units in Chesterton, 75.2% are owner-occupied, while 24.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,004
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,492
Owner occupied
4,512
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,492 24.8% -8.2%
Owner occupied 4,512 75.2% 9.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chesterton housing costs

Housing costs in Chesterton come to a median of $1,373 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,274.

Median housing costs per month
$1,373/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chesterton
$1,274/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chesterton

Chesterton education at a glance

About 34.9% of the population in Chesterton went to high school, while 17.6% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 27.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 170 1.6% -1.7%
High school diploma 3,811 34.9% 0.8%
College diploma 1,917 17.6% -3.3%
Associate degree 656 6% -1.9%
Bachelor's degree 3,008 27.6% 6.5%
Graduate degree 1,349 12.4% 11.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chesterton

How much people earn in Chesterton

The average annual household income in Chesterton was $116,441 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,060, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chesterton
$116,441/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chesterton
$91,060/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Chesterton income by age

In Chesterton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $106,912. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,510 overall. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $106,912 3.8%
45 - 64 $98,510 -0.7%
Over 65 $50,714 -14.6%
Above poverty level
12,784
Below poverty level
1,287
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,784 90.8% 2.2%
Below poverty level 1,287 9.2% -14.1%

Average renter income in Chesterton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chesterton, their median household income was $49,447 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,447
Rent-to-income ratio
30.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chesterton

Workforce and job types in Chesterton

The job market in Chesterton is powered by 7,283 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 74.1% are employed by private companies, and 9.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,283
4.4% year-over-year change
White collar
5,509
Blue collar
1,774
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,509 75.6% 6.0%
Blue collar 1,774 24.4% -0.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
74.1%
Governmental workers
9.1%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 585 8% 0.5%
Private companies 5,399 74.1% 3.4%
Governmental workers 666 9.1% 2.3%
Not for profit companies 633 8.7% 21.3%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
-11.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chesterton stands at 6.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Chesterton

How people get around in Chesterton

In Chesterton, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 75.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,472 75.9% 4.7%
Taxicab 17 0.2% N/A
Railroad 140 1.9% 15.7%
Bicycle 43 0.6% -24.6%
Walk 51 0.7% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chesterton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
46304 28,307 11,383 $91,326 $113,059

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FAQs about Chesterton demographics 

What is the total population of Chesterton?

Chesterton has a total population of 14,446 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chesterton?

The gender ratio in Chesterton is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (7,316 residents)
  • 49.4% females (7,130 residents)

What is the median age in Chesterton?

The median age in Chesterton is 38.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chesterton?

The age distribution in Chesterton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.9% (3,025 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (1,264 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.2% (4,506 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.5% (3,107 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (2,544 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chesterton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chesterton is as follows:
  • White: 88.5% (12,787 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (249 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (272 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (1,054 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (84 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chesterton are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95% of the population in Chesterton.

How many housing units are there in Chesterton?

There are 6,317 housing units in Chesterton, reflecting a +4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chesterton and what is the average household size?

Chesterton has a total of 6,004 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chesterton?

Chesterton has a median household income of $91,060, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chesterton?

The employment rate is 93.3% in Chesterton, with a workforce of 7,283 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.6% (5,509 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.4% (1,774 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (585 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.1% (5,399 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.1% (666 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (633 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025